Mary Beth West Communications

Mary Beth West is a seasoned public relations strategist and communications consultant with over 30 years of experience helping complex organizations build credible, trust-driven reputations with diverse stakeholders. Operating as an independent PR professional and consultancy leader, she delivers competitive impact through strategic management, communication, and relationship-building, with a focus on helping executive teams achieve measurable business results. Her work spans a broad range of industries and organizational types, including national laboratories, tourism authorities, major manufacturing corporations, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and investor-owned utilities. Notable past clients include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, and Alcoa Inc./Arconic. As the founder of her own award-winning public relations consultancy — comprising roughly half of her three-decade career — she has demonstrated deep expertise in entrepreneurial PR practice and client advisory services. Mary Beth is recognized internationally as a thought leader in public relations ethics, change management, and strategic communications. She co-founded the 'Ms. InterPReted' PR Podcast and has contributed commentary to prominent publications including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Business Insider, and PRweek. She has addressed international conferences and forums in cities including Davos, Dubai, Paris, Vienna, Belgrade, and Warsaw. Her professional accolades are extensive: the London-based Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) named her a Fellow (FPRCA) in 2022, and she served as a founding member and co-chair of the PRCA's Global Ethics Council. She has also served on the board of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), receiving ICCO's inaugural 'Special Global Award for Improving Society and Reputation of PR' in 2024. In 2023, she received the international PRO PR GLOBE Award in Croatia. Her advocacy extends to non-profit financial disclosures, whistleblower protection, and anti-retaliation initiatives. The University of Tennessee honored her as its inaugural Public Relations Alumna of the Year in 2013. Mary Beth's practice is particularly well-suited for organizations navigating reputational challenges, stakeholder complexity, ethical scrutiny, or significant organizational change.